Press Release: United Way Statement on Violence in Charlottesville

United Ways in every community denounce racism, bigotry and prejudice in all forms. We all mourn the loss of life in Charlottesville, VA this past week and strongly reject the divisive worldview of groups like the white nationalists and neo-Nazis that incited this violence.

For 130 years, United Way has worked to bring communities together. We know that communities are stronger not when they embrace hatred and distrust, but when they welcome diversity and address difficult problems based on the principles of equal rights and equal opportunity.

Our society will make the most progress when every one of us can contribute and share ideas, and have their basic rights and dignity respected. Now, more than ever, we must embrace ideas that unify us and make us stronger. To live better, we must live United.